China Unicom launching own 'WoPhone' OS for smartphones and tablets

Linux-based software will be an alternative to iOS, Android and the rest, and already has support from local device-makers.

Don't think there's room for another new smartphone OS? Maybe there is in China. Operator China Unicom has announced plans to launch WoPhone, a Linux-based OS that can also be used for tablets.

Chinese manufacturers ZTE, Huawei and TCL have already signed up to make WoPhone devices, according to the Wall Street Journal. However, it also has the backing of Samsung, Motorola and HTC.

With around 170 million subscribers, China Unicom is not the largest operator in China, but it still represents a big opportunity for WoPhone - and conversely, a threat to rival operating systems like Symbian and Android.

The move follows rival China Mobile's launch of its own Ophone OS in 2009, although that was based on Android, which WoPhone is not.

China Unicom's determination to use WoPhone as a key part of its 3G rollout will provide a strong incentive for local developers to make apps for the platform - and Western developers too, if they are keen to prosper in China.